Chapter 73
Ayla
I have been up most of the night writing and rewriting my list on reconnecting vs not with my wolf. You would think it would be easier, a clear answer, but it is not. I realize I am trusting Thane mo, and maybe he could keep Aramana a secret. I don’t think Kian could though. Rejecting a mate is rare, but it does happen. I feel this should be another angle I explore. I may feel differently if the bond was in place though. It would be unfair to reject him without feeling that bond. It could change my decision. My eyes are getting heavy as I start to dose in bed. Now that Thane has returned, I am sleeping better. I know, at least I think I do, that he is in the room next door. I still haven’t decided how 1 feel about the gossip surrounding him and Della. I could ask him about it, but it technically isn’t my business. I feel like if he was sleeping with her while being with me, even if it wasn’t labeled, I would still feel betrayed. If he could do that, there could be others. Kian could be right about the women at his feet. That to me would be a reason to not trust him and I just have to know if I can or not. For real,
I bring the covers up to my shoulders, attempting to snuggle in and force myself to get some rest. I am finally close to getting my brain to shut off when I hear faint talking next door. I can tell Thane is mumbling, but I don’t hear anything else. Maybe my shifter h. I don’t need to eavesdrop on his phone conversation. I close hearing is returning little. I close my eyes again and snuggle back my eyes when I hear very audible, distressed “NO” and I bolt up. Is Thane in trouble? I chew on my nails, listening a little when I hear more mumbling. I decide to get out of bed and place my ear against our adjoining door. He is very clearly rambling and distressed. His earthy pine scent has a bitter smell to it. Maybe my shifter senses are finally heightening. I don’t know if I have been able to smell him this clearly before. I can feel Aramana pushing in my mind. Maybe she is reacting to his distress. I decide to slowly turn the handle on the door. I know he said his was kept unlocked. It is time to find out.
a
nightmare. He is shaking his head side to The door opens slowly, a faint creak, but Thane doesn’t arouse. No, he is in the throes of side rambling and breathing hard. “No, Mom please don’t do this. Put the gun down. No, we will be okay. It isn’t your fault.” Thane’s ramblings are heartbreaking and all too familiar. He must be dreaming about his sister, but the gun story has me confused. There must be more to his backstory than I am aware of. Looks like we are both good at keeping secrets from each other.
I quickly hurry over to his bed to climb on top of it. Shaking him while he is rambling isn’t working. I can barely get on this bed; it is so tall. His room is dark, minus the moonlight coming through the window. I hope he can see me clearly when I get him awake before he pummels me to death. I take his head in both of my hands cupping his cheeks. He has a single tear rolling down his face and I instantly feel rage like I have never felt before. This alpha. This protector. This rescuer, broken. Someone broke him. The same people that broke me. I want him now more than ever to get his revenge. Not for me, but for his sister. My friend. I make a decision right here, right now, to help him in any way possible. She deserves it. He deserves it. His parents deserve it. It is bigger than me.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.